After a long, wet New Zealand winter, soils often come out compacted, sluggish, and biologically inactive. Residues from winter feed crops, grazing pressure, and heavy rainfall can leave soils depleted, with nutrients locked up, structure damaged, and microbial communities needing a jumpstart.
Spring is the perfect time to reset. By focusing on soil health early, growers can set the stage for strong germination, better nutrient cycling, and improved resilience heading into the season’s growth flush.
Key Steps for a Spring Soil Reset
1. Re-energise Soil Biology
Soil microbes are the unseen workforce of every farm. Products like Effective Microorganisms™ (EM™) reintroduce beneficial bacteria and fungi that speed up organic matter breakdown, improve nutrient availability, and suppress harmful pathogens.
Apply EM™ products during soil prep or with your first fertiliser application to jumpstart biology.
2. Break Down Winter Residues
Crop residues and stock trampling can tie up nitrogen and slow down soil function. Using microbial tools to accelerate decomposition converts residues into humus and plant-available nutrients. This process not only feeds your next crop but also improves soil structure and friability.
3. Improve Soil Structure and Moisture Retention
Spring showers can quickly become spring runoff if your soil isn’t structured well. Building aggregates with the help of microbial activity ensures soils act like a sponge, holding onto moisture and nutrients instead of losing them. This is especially important for setting up clover and pasture systems.
4. Support Clover Establishment
Clover is a powerhouse for nitrogen fixation in New Zealand pastures. Supporting nodulation and early root growth with microbial inoculants ensures stronger clover dominance, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen later in the season.
5. Enhance Fertiliser Efficiency
Don’t let valuable fertiliser inputs go to waste. Microbial products solubilise nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, making them more available for plant uptake. This means better growth response and less leaching, protecting both your bottom line and the environment.
The Payoff for Growers
Farmers across NZ are already seeing the benefits of a spring soil reset:
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Faster crop establishment and early vigour
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More clover and grass growth in pastures
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Reduced odour and nutrient loss in effluent systems
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Improved resilience to drought later in the season
By investing in soil health now, you’re not just preparing for this season’s crops, you’re building long-term fertility and resilience across your farming system.
Spring is your window of opportunity to reset your soils and unlock the full potential of your land. By activating biology, improving structure, and managing residues with microbial solutions, you set the foundation for healthier crops, stronger pastures, and higher yields.
Want to kickstart your soil biology this spring? Explore our microbial product range at emnz.com or talk to our team about the best program for your farm.
